Is Logan Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

Safety Index:

* Based on Research & Crime Data

Right in the heart of Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, Logan beckons travelers with a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and small-town charm.

This inviting southeastern Ohio town was once history is closely tied to the booming coal industry, and remnants of this era can still be seen today, adding character to the town’s streets.

What sets Logan apart is its unparalleled access to the Hocking Hills State Park, a mesmerizing haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The park boasts a captivating landscape with towering cliffs, serene waterfalls, and lush forests, making it a playground for hikers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.

While Logan is a small town, Hocking Hills brings in more than three million visitors each year.

A visit here promises unforgettable experiences, from hiking to hidden caves to gazing at the stunning Ash Cave.

Even just driving the scenic route is awe-inspiring, and fall foliage will blow you away.

Beyond its natural splendor, Logan is a hub for local artistry, showcasing a vibrant arts scene with galleries and shops that reflect the community’s creativity.

The historic downtown district exudes a quaint, welcoming atmosphere, with charming boutiques and restaurants serving up local flavors.

Even if you’re just driving through, Logan is worth stopping for a few hours. Hocking Hills is just an amazing piece of Ohio landscape that shouldn’t be missed.

Warnings & Dangers in Logan

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk here of crime rates and a wonderful array of outdoor activities and community events. It's a real treasure in Ohio to visit Logan.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

You won't find public transportation here, and even taxis and rideshares would be too costly to cover all the ground you'd want to see here. We strongly recommend a rental car. All options are a low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

About five pickpockets or purse snatchings happen each year in Logan, which is higher than I'd expect based on my research of dozens of other Ohio cities. While the risk is still low, it's important to keep your belongings close and secure. Never leave a bag unattended.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Since so many activities are outdoors near Logan and the weather can be brutal throughout the year, it's a medium risk. The good news is that all weather problems come with advance notice if you're paying attention. From severe thunderstorms to flash flooding to tornadoes to winter storms, there's always a chance the weather could turn and cancel your outdoor adventure.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Since 2015, five or fewer robberies happened in Logan, with just one in 2022. That's still below the national average when figuring out the rate per 100,000 people, but when you figure in the tourists who come through, the risk is even lower.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Another low risk here with a rural area surrounded by natural attractions. There are no hard targets here, and a vigilant community helps report suspicious activity. You are asked to do the same.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

In a rather odd scam, there were several reports of people showing up at a random address to pick up a puppy they bought online. The problem was that the homeowner had no idea what the puppy lovers were talking about. It's this kind of scam that should remind you never to wire money to get an item, rental, or anything else. The risk is low, but scammers here sure are creative.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

The biggest risk for women would be venturing into the wilderness without proper safety training. Provided you are comfortable on trails, which can be muddy or icy at times, and you know basic first aid, you should be fine. Never hike alone, and always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Logan water officials faced scrutiny in 2022 for not testing and reporting in certain categories in a timely fashion. You can read that report online to see the full list of concerns. At the same time, additional testing is now required at least through 2023. That means more water testing will confirm the low risk of the water here. If you have any concerns, you can call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

Safest Places to Visit in Logan

To learn more about the region, check out the ExploreHockingHills.com website.

It’s the only official tourism website for this region.

You won’t find a tourism website for just Logan, but the city’s website does have a list of parks and local events.

One of the newest attractions in Logan is the Hocking Hills Children’s Museum.

As of this publication, the museum is getting ready to open.

The website shows a preview of what to expect inside.

Several parks and kayaking spots line the river in Logan, including a place ominously named Death Hole.

It does have a strong undercurrent, and it’s said to be one of the most haunted places in town after a carriage fell into it more than a century ago.

While you should avoid going in the water, the waterfall here is great to see.

Lake Logan State Park offers a serene escape with a 400-acre lake surrounded by lush forests.

Activities abound, from fishing and boating to hiking along scenic trails.

Explore the historic Rose Lake Dam or relax by the beach.

The “Welcome Center” to Hocking Hills is also located by this park.

Be sure to stop by and pick up maps and ask the employees about the best places to visit during your seasonal trip.

The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway starts west of Logan in Rockbridge.

The more than 30 miles of winding roads take you past a handful of natural wonders that are separate from the contiguous main park and forest.

You can explore many caves in this area, with Ash Cave and Old Man’s Cave being two of the most popular.

It would take far too long to explain every cave in the region, but the Hocking Hills State Park website offers maps and details for each one.

The main areas of the park to explore are:

Ash Cave
Old Man’s Cave
Rock House
Conkle’s Hollow
Cedar Falls
Cantwell Cliffs
Whispering Cave.

Also, look for the best waterfalls that suit your fitness level to explore.

Some are as easy as a half-mile hike to see.

Even in winter, these frozen falls offer a unique look at nature.

Places to Avoid in Logan

Logan doesn’t have bad parts of town or dangerous neighborhoods.

What it does have is one of the most dangerous trails in the state.

The Hocking Hills State Park website details all the trails, including the difficulty level.

The Buckeye Trail is only for experienced hikers and certainly should not be attempted by those who have a fear of heights.

People have died or gotten seriously injured falling off the cliffs by going too close to the edge.

Every trail in Hocking Hills has a great view, so you’ll still see a waterfall or cave if you don’t have expert hiking skills.

The best time to visit Hocking Hills is in the fall when the foliage bursts with color, but during the hottest days of summer, the humidity can be suffocating.

It might be wise to avoid that time of year for long hikes if you aren’t trained for it.

Rock climbing is also popular here, but you shouldn’t attempt this without proper training and a guide.

You can review the rules and safety guidance on the Hocking Hills State Park website.

Finally, avoid hiking in ice and snow if you aren’t comfortable doing so.

The frozen waterfalls are stunning to see, but every step is dangerous if you aren’t prepared for the conditions.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Logan

Logan does have its own police department. You can call 740-385-6866 if you have specific safety questions to ask. It’s helpful also to follow the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook @hockingsheriff.
Sign up for emergency alerts through Hocking County’s website. You can’t afford to miss weather alerts here. This will also cover major events like a public safety shelter-in-place order or water quality problems.
I strongly recommend that winter visitors review the ice storm policy and preparation steps. Ice storms are one of the disasters I hate the most because there’s no way to walk or drive when the ground is covered in ice. Heavy tree branches can break and leave you without power. You don’t want to get stuck without power while not having a safety kit to wait out the worst of the storm.
Anglers need a fishing license, and you should review the rules and requirements on the Ohio Department of Fish & Game website. Hunting licenses require more safety training. They aren’t as easy to purchase. You can’t hunt without a license.
If you are exploring a wilderness area where hunting is allowed, please wear Hunter Orange so that hunters can distinguish your movements from wildlife. It’s best to stay away from hunting areas during the season just to be safe.
If you are bringing children to Logan, please review the Child Safety section of the police department’s website. It’s important to know the curfew times for various age groups. For example, kids under 13 have to be with a parent or guardian one hour after sunset.
This area is known for its stunning scenic drive, but you’ll likely be sharing the road with bicyclists and motorcycles. Don’t let the beautiful surroundings distract you. Be patient with cyclists on winding roads, and you should always give them four feet of space if you are passing.
For those wanting to camp at Hocking Hills State Park, reservations are required. Review the rules about pets, fires, and quiet hours before you book.
Black bears are in the Hocking Hills Area. You should review bear safety steps before you visit. Never feed or lure a bear with food. If you do spot a bear, please call 800-WILDLIFE to let officials know. They track the movement and actions of bears for everyone’s safety – including the bear.
Ticks are prominent in this area and will wait at the end of leaves to attach to a host. The best thing you can do is wear long sleeves and pants to avoid them attaching. However, it’s not always feasible with the hot, humid weather. Every hike should end with a full-body scan for ticks, including the delicate areas. Remove a tick with tweezers by the head and then disinfect the area. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, making it important to remove them quickly.

So... How Safe Is Logan Really?

Logan has a violent crime rate that’s 53% lower than the national average, and that’s before you consider the three million people who visit Hocking Hills State Park annually.

About 10% of violent crimes happen against strangers, further lowering the risk for a visitor.

Thefts are also lower than average, but you need to use common sense, like locking car doors at a trailhead and never leaving your belongings unattended.

While 388 thefts were reported in 2022, there were also 88 calls for found property.

One of the bigger risks here is the trail system.

If you don’t have the skills or physical ability to hike a challenging trail, don’t try it.

If you are hiking in the snow but don’t have crampons, get them or cancel the trip.

The real safety risks here come down to your own personal safety steps, wilderness survival skills, and cautious safety decisions.

There are plenty of trails for all experience levels.

You also want to dress for the weather and avoid long hikes if thunderstorms are possible.

If you are good with safety steps, you’ll thoroughly enjoy Logan and Hocking Hills.

How Does Logan Compare?

City	Safety Index
Logan	78
Orlando	64
Las Vegas	62
San Francisco	61
Philadelphia	60
Houston	59
Atlanta	58
Manama (Bahrain)	54
Tianjin (China)	67
Brussels (Belgium)	60
Shanghai (China)	66
Belize City (Belize)	37
La Paz (Bolivia)	52

Useful Information

Visas

To enter the country, international travelers are required to obtain a visa or a visa waiver. The U.S. State Department website provides detailed information on eligibility for a visa waiver. Look for the Visa Wizard module. You also need a passport that isn't within six months of expiring.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar can be used here. Be sure to take care of currency exchange before you get to the small town of Logan. Some international airports have currency exchange, but your home bank will offer the lowest fees.

Weather

You should have a strong understanding of dressing for the season while you're visiting here. For example, you might need spikes on your shoes in the winter or hiking poles on tough trails. Dress in layers that are easy to remove or add back on. Don't go into the wilderness area without bug spray from March through October.

Airports

John Glenn Columbus International Airport is just an hour northwest of Logan. If you're flying out of Cincinnati, plan for two-and-a-half hours on the road to get to Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati International Airport.

Travel Insurance

When weather could disrupt the travel experience, purchasing protection is prudent. Seek coverage for medical expenses if uninsured in the States. Even a sprained ankle while hiking can cost hundreds of dollars if you don't have insurance. Ensure rental car insurance safeguards you in the event of any accidents or roadside emergency incidents.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Logan Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan -3° C

Feb 0° C

Mar 5° C

Apr 11° C

May 16° C

Jun 21° C

Jul 23° C

Aug 22° C

Sep 18° C

Oct 12° C

Nov 6° C

Dec 1° C

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °C	3	6	11	18	23	27	29	28	25	19	12	6
Low °C	-8	-6	-2	3	9	14	16	15	11	4	-1	-4
High °F	37	43	52	64	73	81	84	82	77	66	54	43
Low °F	18	21	28	37	48	57	61	59	52	39	30	25

Ohio - Safety by City

City	Safety Index
Akron	49
Ashtabula	45
Canton	32
Cincinnati	48
Cleveland	55
Columbus	57
Cuyahoga Falls	80
Dayton	40
Defiance	75
Elyria	74
Findlay	78
Kettering	71
Logan	78
Lorain	67
Mansfield	62
Medina	71
Middletown	76
Parma	74
Port Clinton	76
Put-in-Bay	77
Sandusky	76
Tiffin	78
Toledo	69
Vandalia	76
Westerville	77
Yellow Springs	74
Youngstown	52
Zanesville	68

Is Logan Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Ohio : Safety by City